Arizona has some of the toughest laws against driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The first arrest will result in jail time for every offender. That’s one DUI, one stint in the local jail. Not a pretty picture and certainly not the way anyone would want to spend their Cinco de Mayo holiday.
Just one DUI arrest in Arizona is a criminal offense punishable by up to six months in the county jail and up to a $2,500 fine plus an 84 percent surcharge. That’s a lot of dough just so you can have a few hours of fun with your friends.
Despite the odds being against them some folks in Arizona cannot resist drinking too much and then getting behind the wheel of their car or truck. Last 500 people in Arizona were arrested for drunk driving during Cinco de Mayo festivities. That number is in addition to the including 167 extreme DUI arrest that they made.
To counter this effect, every law enforcement agency in the state will be on high alert this May 5, watching carefully for impaired drivers, setting up DUI checkpoints and generally being cognizant that at least of the few of the drivers on the road with them will be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When it comes to fighting drunk driving, the odds are clearly in the favor of the police. Plus, as an added bonus, if you drive sober you greatly increase your chances of getting home alive.
This Cinco de Mayo, have fun, but drive safe. You’ll not only save some money you might just save a life.